Thursday, December 31, 2009

White Beach de Boracay is offering a WEEKDAYS PROMO for the months of January to March 2010. Bookings during this time for family rooms (good for 4 pax) will be given a most affordable rate of P4,498 for Beach view Rooms and P3,598 for Garden view Rooms (3D/2N).

Bookings must be made on or before January 31, 2010 and the promo is not valid on Holy Week. E-mail boracayreservation@yahoo.com asap to make your reservations!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Five bloggers have teamed up with Coca Cola and Real Leaf Green Tea and are giving away an iPod Nano each, with all contestants joining in also having a chance to win P10,000. cash and a year's supply of the drink.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Usually, when we go job hunting, we go to job listing sites or look at the Classifieds in the paper. But sometimes, looking for job openings in message boards/forums could yield you better results.

It is firstly, a fact, that Human Resource people also like posting in message boards. Even managers, lawyers, and other professionals even. And when they need to hire asap, posting openings in forums is the easiest way to get applicants. It could even be a plus that you're both into the same things (say, you're both from motorcycle or photography forums). Even the adult site manilatonight.com has a Classifieds section.

So if you're a member of some forum already, do take the time to check out if they have a Classifieds/Netwroking section. Even a Harry Potter forum may just land you a job that a Fort Lauderdale job search in Google cannot generate. Plus, you may even get an idea or two on how to improve your interview skills.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

In coming up with your New year's resolution as a parent, why not commit to giving your kids the gift of self-reliance instead? Then, list down concrete strategies you can take that will give them enough opportunities to learn, develop, practice and make it a habit. Divide the strategies according to the ease and frequency it can be done, as well as considering if they are age-appropriate.

Here are example of things that will help them develop this wonderful trait:~ Doing their own beds and cleaning their own rooms~ Other household chores~ Budgeting their own allowance~ Helping you budget the weekly groceries~ Planning a weekend or family trip ~ Coming up with ways to contribute to family purchases~ Plan family events/parties~ Create productions for family entertainment~ Recycle and Reuse Program in the home~ Babysitting or Caring for Pets

Say you asked your kids to plan the next family trip. They get to choose the venue and activities within a designated budget so they would also have to do the sourcing of service providers (from transportation to hotels to tour guides). All the research work will come in handy someday when you'd need them to help out finding Mopar parts suppliers or air condition cleaners. But more importantly, they learn that they CAN do things, and that the amount of effort and creativity they put into it is usually congruent to the results.

Now, the important thing is you ease them into it and that it becomes a lifestyle, rather than an enforced something they will forever rage about. Explain the benefits, start small, progress slowly but surely and always commend positive results. Highlight how their contributions helped exactly.

Make do without old resolutions that you really cannot feel passion for. Be a more intentional parent instead.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

I know that most people have probably already spent their bonuses and are considering withdrawing the remainder of their Paypal earnings. And I am here to remind those people not to empty their accounts because chaces are, subscription payments to online galleries and domain and hosting will be coming up soon. After all, we usually open such accounts after coming into money so we really wouldn't do well to be without in our Paypal accounts (one of the safest ways to transact online) when that day comes. Plus, paying early after getting the expiration notice might just get you discounts or free online backup. Those are little things that are worth paying early for.

If you must, just withdraw what you really need to tide you over, even if it means not saving $5 transaction fee. And get creative and resourceful with your other resources. There may be things you can reuse as gifts, after all.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Kids nowadays are so used to being bombarded by multimedia that they're also easily bored. We never had boredom back in our day because we had to cut paper for play money, and crush ice candies for 'vitamins' to feed our babies while playing house. Now, fewer kids even play outside. Most of the toddlers in the city even attend preschool already where play is usually directed and stimulation is provided.

What to do, then, with a child complaining of boredom?

You and your spouse can come up with a handy list ready for activities to suggest to them. Usually, suggesting that they read a book or take a nap would result in further complaints and whines. So try wording your suggestions this way. "Awww, you're bored you say? And I guess you're also not in the mood to be reading anyway since you'd have been doing that already. Good thing though because Mommy needs help in the kitchen polishing the silver. It would be fun, come on!"

Or give them options. "I know three things that should occupy you enough: finishing your homework, bathing our dog or washing the car. What are you up to doing?"

Chances are, they will at least complain less and find other things to do instead. And they may not help with the chores much but they'd also learn that being amused is a DIY thing. Hopefully, it means they will be more creative in a productive way and there'd be less chances of them seeking thrills elsewhere.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

No matter how many times TV programs, magazines and other media remind us, there will still be several fires because of faulty or forgotten Christmas lights. Sure, your home insurance may be great but fires are very non-discriminating as to what they will destroy. Fires do not care if it's an old sofa set or a life, if it's just a painting or your entire picture and film collection.

So be vigilant against fires. Firstly, buy lights that have the proper seals. And only turn them on when you are still awake, usually between 6-10 PM. And make sure you unplug everything (except the fridge) in the house before you turn in.

Make sure also that there are no firecrackers in the house and should you be handling one, not to throw it towards your house or your neighbor's. And if throwing parties, make sure inebriated guests who might sleep over are not also smoking. Make sure there are ashtrays and garbage cans around for people to throw their butts in. And again, before turning in, inspect everything.

Sometimes, it really seems a hassle for us to always be checking for whatever could go wrong while we sleep. But these habits can save the lives of those that are really important to you, including your own.

I found this wonderful gift idea online that lets the recipient shop for what he wants but lets you keep all the credit for the gifts. A Bass Pro Gift Card is a customizable gift card available at GiftCardMall.com. They have Bass pro shops/retail stores and catalogs as well as the site to shop from. For kids, they have gift cards for Pottery Barn, Buy Buy Baby and Build a Bear. For the women in your life, there are SpaFinder, Bed Bath and Beyond, KMart, Kohl's and Sears among other brands. Holiday gift cards are even being shipped free and inactivated, so only the intended recipients can really activate the card.

So for those in the US who still haven't shopped for their loved ones, get them a Bass Pro Gift Card asap. Just think how you're helping move the economy!!!

The Art of Silence Photography is now offering Unlimited Photo/Prints with their Photo Booth. It costs PP6,000 for two hours and P8,000 for three hours.

It comes as one of the FREEBIE OPTIONS if you get their P45k Wedding Package (for the first 100 prints only, add P5k for unlimited shots and prints). A photographer still takes the shot (unlike the one by Photographico Geronimo) but printing is fast. The photographer will also take four shots and let you choose which one to highlight in the printing.

A booth was available at the Deaf Festival so here is a sample of the output.

They provide wigs and accessories but feel free to also provide some more if you're getting them for your party. Am sure posing wackily with friends while showing off your UGG Classic Short will be a better captured moment. This is especially perfect for Christmas parties where some people are inebriated and more likely to really project.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Part of babyproofing our home is making sure all industrial supplies and cleaning equipment are kept out of reach of children. Unfortunately, we have also started making these cleaning supplies in wonderful fragrances that somehow makes us forget thay they can prove toxic to kids.

Case in point: I just bought dishwashing liquid in watermelon, Irish Spring and raspberry scents. They came in mineral water bottles (1 liter) and candy-like colors. And we forgot to put the bottles somewhere high that my nephew thought it was juice and managed to open one. He is one and a half years old. My two year old son, on the other hand, can already prop a chair near the sink where the liquid hand soap and dishwashing liquid dispensers are easily within reach. And since these smell fruity, fresh and sweet, they don't get turned off.

Even some fabric conditioners and bleach come in fragrances that may even attract kids.

And one disadvantage of reusing some containers is that they can confuse kids, and even parents. My sister-in-law once thought she was putting alcohol on her son's hands. Good thing she smelled the different scent of the cleaning agent and washed my nephew's hands in time before they got really irritated. Clear cleaning agents, like alcohol or diluted dihswashing liquid should also not be put in mineral water bottles to avoid confusing people.

Be warned so you can be more vigilant. Sweet-smelling cleaning agents are still cleaning agents and can be toxic or fatal to babies.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum is located in the Villamor Air Base Complex. It's sort of in a cul de sac, where the road turns towards the Mariott, Resorts World, etc. complex.

Entrance fee is only P20 for civilians. It's not really a big museum and unless you're really interested in Air Force history, you might be disinterested with most of what they have on exhibit. There are a lot of uniforms, guns, plane models, plane parts

view of Resorts World near the museum's entrance

tour starts here (left side)

guns used during World War II (I believe)

one of the earliest planes used in combat (sorry,am a girl, I didn't take note of the models)

cool thing to name a plane after Sumpak, animprovides firearm we came up with

telephone used during the war

camera used during the war

the exhibit

night vision goggles

plane model on exhibit

an old car used as Presidential ride

the simulation room which wasn't open that day(you pay for the gas to fire the thing up, and I wasconcerned about not being eco-friendly anyway)

plane part (used for bombing, I assume)

another plane model inside

plane model outside

there were at least ten plane models outside

The Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum also features a function room they rent out for P5,000 for the first 5 hours. You have to bring in your own caterer, sound system, etc. but the room is at the 2nd floor and overlooks the plane models outside. It can easily accommodate between 200-250 pax. It had high ceilings and great ventilation and a steal for the price. Perfect for aviation-themed weddings or birthday parties.

There is also a mini theater that can accommodate around 30-40 people. Air Force people were using it at the time we were there, as well as the lobby, which is why I don't have a picture of those.

For inquiries or to visit, just dial (63) 2-8323498. The Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum is open at 8:00am - 12:00pm (Monday to Saturdays).

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Twas only two months ago that typhoon Ondoy wreaked havoc here in Manila. So many homes had something that was touched, submerged, or marinated in flood. Now that Christmas bonus has come, we can replace and repair more of them.

Since refrigerators are generally heavy and loaded, those who failed to put it up shiuld be having its motor checked and maybe replacing their refrigerator water filters. Those with tables who wallowed in flood should have these checked also for rot. You don't want a child climbing on top of it, or you leaning just a tad too heavily on it, or putting so many dishes on it only to have it collapse. Cabinets, if they cannot be repaired, should be torn down and replaced as well. Electric lines should be checked, most especially the plugs.

Carpeting and linoleum shoudl be replaced too, if you cannot have it professionally cleaned.

I know that spending more on these things is one of the last things you'd consider doing with your Christmas bonus. But not doing so may spell more trouble for you in the end. Even air conditioning units, for example, that were not submerged in flood but got rained on a lot during the typhoon season should be professionally cleaned. An ounce of allergy prevention is worth more than a pound of antihistamines, after all.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Hero Sausages purport to have NO MSG, TVP, Salitre and Food Coloring. They had at least three booths at the World Bazaar and the fat sausages sizzling on hot plates just really can't help but wheth one's appetite. One sausage in a bun cost an average of P80 and it was a very filling meal. The portion size is too big to be called a snack, see.

Hero sausages offer Schublig, Bratwurst, Hungarian and Frankfurters aside from Classic sausages. They also sell these in 500 gram and 1 kilogram packs.

And, Hero Sausages is looking to expand and is giving away free Franchise Kits. Just email herosausages@yahoo.com.ph and indicate the desired area you want to franchise to. Not all of us can afford to invest in orlando hotels anyway, and going into the foodcart business wouldn't require that much resource. All you need to have is some savings and a great location.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

A long-time blogger friend who have long championed charities about children is giving away a Got Heart 2010 Planner.

Head over to her blog then and leave comments to qualify for the electronic raffle! Contest will end on December 26. Winner can expect the planner to be shipped to him/her in the first week of January.

The World Bazaar is sponsored by ABS-CBN and will run until December 16, 2009. Entrance to the bazaar is P30 per person. I was told by a friend that the wares being sold were good so we checked it out and it was indeed a good bazaar.

Items were not so expensive. You can buy ladies tops for 2 for P150, P150, P300, etc. There were also a lot of stalls selling baby clothes, a lot of really cool shirts, a lot of imported overruns (you know, cutesy dresses that are intended as winter wear). There were a lot of infant PJ sets, onseies, dresses. There were a lot of clothes, and a lot of Christmas decor (that's what will greet you at the entrance), a lot of chips/snacks and vitamins.

My best buy was liquid hand soap (3 liters for P120). They sell them in 500 ml bottles with pump but as I have so many empty dispenser bottles at home, I bought the 1 liter refills instead at the same price. And they smell soooo nice! Melon, raspberry and Irish Spring scents, haha!

Expect a lot of shirts embroidered with the map of the Philippines. Even mugs were being sold with the Philippine archipelago. And yes, there were so many statement shirts (even for babies/kids).

And there's no worries about going hungry at the World Bazaar because there are so many food stalls (at least three Hero Sausage stands). There's also a play area for kids where they can run around like crazy but there is a serious lack of sitting area for those who want to rest. There are also kiosks outside WTC selling native food products.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

People will fall in line again this Christmas at Becky's Kitchen. This institution of great cakes and even yummier brownies only has two branches, the main one being at Vito Cruz, Manila.

If you want a Becky's cake gracing your Christmas Noche Buena, do pay for your orders now to be picked up on the 24th. Otherwise, you'd have to line up and settle for whatever cake they have on hand that day.

And should you want to give Becky's Kitchen treats to special people and friends, here is their Christmas Gift Packs:

Current price list is here. I highly recommend the walnut fudge brownies (P270) and the potato almond krunch cake (P575). Their chocolate mousse (P435) is also wonderful and I have been a slave to their caramel cake (P455) ever since.

Monday, December 07, 2009

Every big Church community, school and village are holding bazaars aside from the really big ones at the World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center. And people may be wondering why other people don't just go to Divisoria or Baclaran... or the malls that are also having Christmas sales.

Goods are not necessarily cheaper indeed in bazaars. Usually, if you have the patience and resourcefulness, you can get the same lovely products at a cheaper price from direct sellers in Dapitan or Quiapo or Divisoria. Since bazaar sellers have to pay for their booths (St. James sellers have to pay P15,000 a day), they really have to charge extra for their wares.

But some bazaar sellers, you can't find anywhere else. A lot of them save and make products only to sell during the Holidays. A lot of them only bake during the Holidays. A lot of them are also homebased entrepreneurs who don't sell on Multiply while others are attached to big industries and this is the only time, and the only way, they sell overruns cheap. So bazaars are still a minefield for new and exciting products you can't get anywhere else.

Plus, other companies are sure to also sponsor and exhibit in bazaars to launch and distribute new products. A Promotional usb drive is just one of the things you can get for free in a bazaar. Some give away sim cards, some give away free products, while some give away coupons or gift certificates. So even if you pay an entrance fee, you don't really lose in a bazzar. At worst, your senses would still have been treated to a feast as you browsed through all the wonderful products being sold.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Fernbrook Gardens is an offshoot of the success and popularity of Fernwood Gardens. It is located at Portofino South, Daang Reyna, Las Pinas, Metro Manila and was fortunately spared by the recent typhoons.

Hubs just recently attended a wedding at Fernbrook Gardens and said it was really such a great indoor venue with an outdoor appeal.

The great thing about Fernbrook is that, as a garden venue, it sells even during typhoon months. Clients also have six caterers to choose from (Center Table Catering, Josiah's, Via Mare, Juan Carlo and Mandarin) and their Venue/Amenities Package Promo already offer choice of lighted dance panels, photo booth, mobile bar, sky lanterns or bridal car. As you can see, the bridal cars are luxury models. Plus, if you get the All In Promo, you also get to hold your Pre-Nuptial Photoshoot there which will make for a more cohesive-looking album and wedding stationery.

Friday, December 04, 2009

If you still haven't sent out your Christmas cards (which you should have already) and haven't even made any but still want to go the personalized way, Scrapbookflair just might save you with their Holiday Spirit Collection.

This digiscrapping collection is more suited for those living in places where there is snow because it has frames with snowmen and Christmas Tree surrounded by snow. If you're living somewhere tropical, however, you can still use the many backgrounds and trees and word art. Grab it now!!!

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Somebody painstakingly scoured the net and papers and every possible network she has to come up with this December Bazaar Schedule. So if you're not done shopping or just want to broswe new trends and fads, do check the link out.

If you're also a budding entrepreneur, now is the time to do your research and see what's already out there and what isn't. Or, come up with ways on how hits could be better so that come next year, it's you exhibiting at a Christmas bazaar already.

Even gadget freaks shouldn't shun these bazaars, even if ornaments and clothes and food feature the most during this time, because some gadgets and accessories also get sold. Plus, if you really need a video card badly, chances are, shops in malls are also having a Christmas sale.